Experiment implodes: Jeremy Tyler quits Israeli basketball team

The Jeremy Tyler experiment is over. Jeremy Tyler, former US high school hoops star, leaves Israel.

ByAssociated PressMarch 20, 2010

Is it off to the D League for Jeremy Tyler? After quitting an Israeli professional basketball team, the former US high school hoops star might have to look at NBA's minor league. In this photo, Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson star in "Semi-Pro."

"Due to personal matters, Jeremy chose to leave the team on his own will on March 18 and return home to San Diego," Maccabi Haifa owner Jeffery Rosen said in a statement. "We wish Jeremy all the best."

In the 10 games Tyler played for Haifa, the 6-11 (2.11-meter) power forward averaged only 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game. Tyler, who reportedly earned a $140,000 salary, found it hard to adapt to the pro game and couldn't find a place in Maccabi Haifa's starting lineup.

His frustration began to show. Last month he walked out on the team at halftime to protest not getting more minutes. For the last three games he sat on the bench not wearing a uniform after being left off the Haifa squad entirely.